Scammers are calling Madera residents and asking for money to secure the release of family members that they say are in jail, the Madera Police Department announced Monday.

The department has received several reports from residents who say someone has called them on the phone and informed them that a relative has been arrested and booked in jail. The caller then asks for a credit card number and personal information to secure the relative’s release, officials said.

These calls are extortion scams. If anyone receives such a call, they should not release any personal information and should contact Madera Police Detective Shant Sheklanian at 675-4248.